Saputara in Surat to become para-gliding hub

For all you adventure enthusiasts, there is now more reasons to visit Saputara, one of the popular hill stations of South Gujarat. The state government is planning to begin para-gliding at the site.

Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TGCL) has chalked out plans to begin the adventure sport at Saputara. As per its plan, the state government has initiated a survey to check the potential of the sport at the site. The survey work, which was entrusted to an agency, has yielded positive results.

"Saputara's atmospheric and topographic condition is ideal for supporting and promoting para-gliding throughout the year, except during monsoon. Apart from entertaining tourists, even National and International sporting events can be successfully organized at the site," Captain Rajiv, head of team conducting survey, said.

Rajiv added that good height along with ample plain land ideal for the sport is available at Saputara. No basic infrastructure is needed for starting the activity, except for creating a platform at the site. There are around 3-4 sites, where the aero-sport can be done without much difficulty.

Locals are also interested in the activity as they look it as a good employment opportunity. "Saputara is the main stoppage for tourists going towards Nashik and Shirdi. If para-gliding is developed here, it will provide an identity to the area.

There are few places in India where the sport is available, which means more tourists and adventure lovers will be visiting Saputara," Mahendra Katargamwala, a local hotelier, said. 

The report is said to be tabled before tourism ministry in the next few days, where the final decision will be taken. It is learnt that the state government is keen to begin the activity and so work is likely to start soon.